Participatory Academic Communities: A transdisciplinary perspective on participation in education beyond the institution

Abstract

This article explores community-driven participation in education beyond the institution. By reflecting on two MA courses at Aarhus University and including educatees’ reflections in the article, the concept of Participatory Academic Community is developed. The article discusses how an evolved understanding of participation in edu- cation can move educatees’ learning beyond institutions through focusing on educatees as researchers, participat- ing in society, building a research community and obtaining academic citizenship. Further, the article discusses how a value-based, vision-driven approach to education and the use of ICT might nurture participation and construction of community within education. The article is genuinely transdisciplinary in its approach, apply- ing different theoretical lenses to obtain a more holistic view on participation in education. The article creates a prismatic lens, illuminating participation in education from different viewpoints and positions. In conclusion, the article also reflects on some of the shadowy traits of participation in education when creating participatory academic communities.